Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
8 April 2024 | 13:30 CAT
2 min read

Former Speaker Nosisiwe Mapisa-Nqakula alleges that the Investigating Directorate is employing apartheid-era tactics in her corruption case. Meanwhile, insiders express dissatisfaction over the potential leniency towards Nompasa Ntsonda-Ndhlovu, the alleged corruptor who reportedly paid R1.3 million to Mapisa-Nqakula.

There are further allegations of regular payments made by Ndhlovu Ntsono to the wife of a senior military official, who is now a state witness in the case against the former Speaker of the National Assembly.

Political Professor Joleen Steyn Kotze shared insights on the matter in an interview with Radio Islam.

“We need to bear in mind that when we look at our political institutions, like parliament, we realise that trust in our institutions is very low. So when you have difficult cases like these, inevitably, in a post-Zondo context as well, difficult questions and tactics are going to start arising to try and have due process follow its course to see whether the person is guilty or not,” she said.

Kotze highlighted that as the election draws near, the ANC may grapple with accusations of corruption, posing a significant challenge. She believes the party appears to be cautious, possibly allowing events to unfold without immediate intervention.

“It is possible for parliament to continue their business of the day with an acting speaker. There won’t be any major business will deal with within the short period of time, thus we should continue as we are now,” she said.

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula faces corruption charges related to alleged bribes received from a military contractor, Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, who also allegedly paid significant sums to the wife of a high-ranking military official.

Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu, now a state witness, is accused of transferring funds to Mapisa-Nqakula in exchange for defence contracts. Military officials are concerned about leniency towards Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu and the lack of efforts to recover alleged profits.

There’s also confusion within the National Prosecuting Authority regarding the case. Mapisa-Nqakula resigned amid pressure, including a motion of no confidence. Former Speaker Baleka Mbete defended Mapisa-Nqakula, who surrendered to police, citing concerns about prison conditions.

Mapisa-Nqakula was released on bail and faces a potential 15-year prison sentence. She will appear in court again on 4 June.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Political Professor Joleen Steyn Kotze, here.